Fishing... for Men!

Today the men of Nova Vida and Calvario, got together for some fishing. It was an outreach for the men to invite unsaved friends and family.

God blessed us with a beautiful day and 14 men came out to enjoy the day.

James was able to share the scriptures, challenging them to consider their lives and see if they are living as if God is their God. If they are obeying His will, they show Him to be their God. He was able to tell the unsaved men that God's will is for them to repent and believe in Christ. Please pray for Eliseu and Oseias. These are men that we know are refusing to let God be their God.

The day was completed with a churrasco! It can't be a men's meeting without meat!!!

Summer Fun

I know it seems strange to you there, in the FREEZING temperatures, but here, it is SUMMERTIME!

Saturday we took advantage of weather and took the youth group tubing. Daniel was able to go with us and for almost everyone it was a first time experience. It was such a refreshing activity. We were away from the city and the worldly influences there. We were surrounded by majestic mountains in the middle of the Atlantic rain forest of Brazil. You couldn't help but be amazed at God's handiwork.They were a little hesitant to let Daniel go down but they tied a rope to his tube so James could guide him down the river. They were a great team and Daniel only got a few scrapes!


There were 12 of us in the group and we didn't see anyone on our 2 hour trek down the river. The river was 85% rapids and 15% floating peacefully! It was SO much fun. We all ended up with bruises and mosquito bites but were very happy.

After tubing, we ate our picnic lunches and then James shared a devotional. He taught on how to love the world. His passage was I John 2. We love the world by not being conformed to it and by sharing Christ with it. The next few weeks in youth group he will continue on theme of living like Christ in this world.

We swam a little more after lunch.


There was a rope tied to a tree and several had fun swinging out over the water.

Hannah Makes 5!

Here in Brazil, they ask how many years you "have" or they say, I "made" 5 years. So... Sunday, Hannah made 5 years!!!!

We began the special day with coffee cake, Hannah's favorite breakfast! She then opened her presents from us, you can see her new kitchen toys on top of her new toy box!

At church 2 other kids had birthdays this week so I made a cake for Children's Church.

Monday we had a party at our house with the other Mk's here in Curitiba. Paul turned 5 on Wednesday so we decided to combine the parties.

Daniel bought hannah a big ball with his own money. What a kick!!!

Party's OVER!!!

First Floripa Trip

Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Last week James, David and Phil went on a survey trip to Florianopolis. The main goals were to get to know the layout of the city; what areas are growing; where are there already Bible preaching churches(if any); where do the people live. The trip was a great success, THANK YOU for your PRAYERS!

There were some churches around. Catholic, of course, Mormon and one Baptist church that we believe is pentecostal in nature.

Catholic church in Sao Jose

The city of Florianopolis is divided into 2 sections. The main "attraction" is the island. This part of the city draws over 1 million tourists per year. The other part of the city is on the mainland of Brazil. This part of the city is surrounded by a suburb called Sao Jose. We really feel this is the best area for us to begin our work. This is where most Floripans live.

Sao Jose, looking to Floripa

We were able to have several realtors drive us around and show us the different areas of the city as well as give us insight into what areas are growing. We also took time to look at some real estate. We wanted to get an idea of the cost of living.

House for Sale

We looked at both rental properties and sales. We have come to the decision to rent at least to start with. That way we are fexible if God should choose to lead us to another neighborhood and it gives us time to decide how to work out the financing of a foreign purchase. We are planning to start the church in our home. Many homes here have an extra "apartment" attached to the back wall of the property. We are hoping to use this at the meeting place for the church until we are big enough to buy property.

This house did not finish the "apartment" in the back. You can see that this large open area would be great space to have services in. This is just to give you an idea of what we are looking for and praying about.

James and I are planning to make several 24 hour trips down over the next 4 months. We plan to check into schooling options as well as look for a rental property. Please pray for us to be sensitive to God's leading and to be full of wisdom. We'll keep you updated on our progress!

Feliz Ano Novo 2009!

I am sorry it has been so long since I have done an update! It is amazing how time flies.
We have been busy with so many year end activities.

Library day with the other missionary kids.

Going to our first Brazilian graduation. (One of our youth members graduated from High School.)

Having a cook-out with the church to thank the Lanzs, our team leaders, for all their hard work this year.

Our impromptu church Christmas story. James read the story from Luke 2 as the children acted it out. This is one of my family traditions and it was so fun to see the joy in the children's faces as they participated.
Finally David, Sharon & Gabriel arrived! We have enjoyed lots of fellowship and fun and churrasco with them!
And Christmas ... Helping Granna cook!!!

Daniel in the uniform of his favorite soccer team.

Hannah in her princess dress.

We had a Christmas Eve dinner at Phil and Mary Ruth's house. After dinner we sang some Christmas carols while David played the guitar, Mary Ruth played the cello and Sharon's mom played the piano. It was so much fun!

We had to get a picture of the guys in their soccer shirts!

We took a little day trip and Daniel worked up the courage to swing out over the river on a rope. He actually let go, fell into the water and smiled afterward!